[earrings created spring 2008]

-->where it all started!

Me and the dryer sheets started 3 years ago(?) in the alternative materials class with Megan Auman with a really really bad sculpture. It was my first crafts class and i was new to it all. That's when I started playing around with machine sewing dryer sheets and quilting them.

-a year later, in Jan's Design & Production class, we were asked to do a quick green design project. So, i experimented with dying the dryer sheets (waste product) with easter egg dye. I found out that i could get vibrant colors but the color rubbed off on clothing so i set it with by ironing. For that green project I made maybe 10 pairs of earrings, all varying on color, design, layers but in the same style. They were a hit but with use, we found that one's body heat causes the dryer sheets to curl. Another issue i had with them was that i was using scrap-booking grommets. I needed another way of attachment/connection.

[earrings created October 2009]

-with dryer sheets still close to my heart, i chose to further explore their potential this semester in 2 lines: the ring series and brooch collection, where i would address alternative connections and treatments

-this is yet another extension of my research, the earrings. I'm tying all my signature elements into them with the pierced pattern, red thread, material, etc. i think it's a good start. I think my collections this semester need some refining and more design brainstorming but i think I'm heading in a good direction.